Earth compacting machine



May 18, 1965 R. G. LEl TOURNEAU 3,183,804

EARTH COMPACTING MACHINE Filed April 19, 1961 2 Sheets-sheet 1 May 18,1965 R. G. LE TOURNEAU EARTH COMPACTING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledApril 19. 1961 United States Patent C) 3,183,894 EARTH CGMPACTWG MACHINERobert G. Le'lourneau, i330. Box 2307, Longview, Tex. Filed Apr. 19,1961, Ser. No. 104,099 4 Claims. (Cl. 94-50) My invention relates toearth compacting machines, and more particularly to` such machines ofthe type utilizing so-called sheepsfoo compacting elements.

Earth compacting machines in the prior art of which I am aware, and ofthe type utilizing sheepsfoot compacting elements, have been commonlycalled sheepsfoot rollers. This designation is derived from the factthat the compacting is done by one or more roller units wherein eachunit is a large heavy drum having sheepsfoot-like projecting elementsarrayed on its outer surface. Each drum is journalled on a shaft orshafts which in turn are fixed to yokes or draft elements. Suchsheepsfoot rollers are always towed, often by a tracklaying type primemover, and usually in groups of twoor more. Also, these sheepsfootroller units are usually filled with a ballast material, such as water,to give them sufficient weight for effective compacting action. Suchprior art sheepsfoot rollers are subject to a number of disadvantages.Because they are towed, they can compact only in the forward, or towing,direction and must turn around at the end of each pass. They cannot workeffectively in the region of the end of a pass, or in corners and closeplaces, because of their very poor maneuverability. They cannot Workeffectively on a narrow fill because of insufficient turning room. Sincethey are towed by track layers, they must be comparatively slow. Theprime mover weight is not effective for compacting and, in fact, issimply dead weight, requiring additional over-all power.

The broad object of my invention, accordingly, is to provide an earthcompacting machine which will obviate the disadvantages above mentioned.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved and effectiveselfropelled earth compacting machine.

Another object of my invention is to provide a selfpropelled earthcompacting machine which can operate effectively in either direction,with no necessity for turning around.

Another object of my invention is to provide a selfpropelled earthcompacting machine which can work effectively on any part of any ll.

Another object of my invention is to provide a selfpropelled earthcompacting machine which requires no ballast material and has no wasteddead weight.

Another object of my invention is to provide a selfpropelled earthcompacting machine wherein all of the power and weight is effectivelyutilized for compacting.

Another object of my invention is to provide a selfpropelled earthcompacting machine which incorporates effective means for keeping thecompacting elements clean.

Another object of my invention is to provide a self-propelled earthcompacting machine which incorporates improved design and structuralarrangements.

Another object of my invention is to provide a self-propelled earthcompacting machine which may be readily assembled and disassembled forconvenient shipping and servicing and repair.

These and other objects are effected by my invention as will be apparentfrom the following description taken in accordance with the accompanyingdrawings, forming a part of this application, in which:

FIGURE l is a schematic perspective view showing a self-propelled earthcompacting machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of myinvention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view, partly in section, showing details of a typicalroller compacting unit associated with the rear frame assembly and acompactor unit pivot and support assembly;

FIGURE 3 is an end elevational View, partly in section showing a typicalroller compacting unit and associated structure, including compactingelement cleaner mechanism;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view of the rear main frame assembly;

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view, partly in section, showing amodified form of compacting element cleaner arrangement;

FIGURE 6 is a rear end elevational view showing details of thecompacting element cleaner arrangement of FIGURE 5; and

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary plan view showing details of the compactingelement cleaner arrangement of FIGURE 5.

In the drawings there is shown a self-propelled earth compacting machinehaving four sheep-stoot roller compacting units 11 supporting anarticulated main frame 13 through respective compactor unit pivot andsupport assemblies 15. The articulated main frame is made up of a frontmain frame assembly 17 and a rear main frame assembly 19. The rear mainframe assembly 19 (see FIGURES 2 and 4) is made up of a main beam 21 inthe form of a heavy longitudinally extending box beam and front and reartransverse `beam-s 23, 25 which are rigidly fixed to the main beam 21respectively at its front and rear portions and extending laterally ofsaid main beam on both sides thereof. The ends of the transverse beams23, 25 terminate in ball sockets Z7 which are rigidly fixed thereto. Thepair of ball sockets 27 on each side of the main beam 21 has its centersaligned on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main beam,for a purpose to be hereinafter Iset forth.

A respective brace member 29 extends from each end portion of eachtransverse beam 23, 25 inwardly to said main beam 21. A motion limitingpad 31 is rigidly fixed to and extends outwardly from the center portionof each said brace 29 for a purpose to be hereinafter explained. Apedestal structure 33 is fixed atop the forward end portion of said mainbeam 21 and extends upwardly therefrom. A tubular main brace member 35is fixed to the upper rear center portion of said pedestal structure 33and extends rearwardly and downwardly to merge with the upper surface ofsaid main beam 21 adjacent the rear end portion of same, to which it isrigidly fixed. A steering pivot structure 37 is rigidly fixed to thefront side of the pedestal structure 33 and extends forwardly therefrom,mounting vertically aligned oppositely disposed steering pivot balls 39.Rigidly fixed atop the said pedestal structure 33` is an electricsteering drive motor 41 and a gear reduction 43 having an output pinion45.

The front frame assembly 17 is similar to the rear frame assembly inthat it has a main beam 47 plus a pair of suitably braced transversebeams 49 terminating in ball sockets (not shown), pairs of which arealigned on a respective axis parallel to the main beam longitudinalaxis. The front frame assembly 1'7 also has a tubular bracing member 51similar to that of the rear frame assembly. The main beam 47 of thefront frame assembly, however, extends rearwardly beyond the rearwardtransverse beam to provide support for a cradle 53 which mounts aninternal combustion engine driven electric generator power unit 55. Thecradle 53 of the power unit 55 also supports an operator station 57,including the operators seat 59 and control panel 61.

Rigidly fixed to the rear end portion of the front frame assembly mainbeam 47 is an upstanding steering 3 yoke Structure 63, with the arms 65of the yoke mounting a pair -of vertically aligned ball sockets 67 whichare adapted for cooperating with the steering pivot balls 39 of the rearframe assembly steering pivot Astructure 37. Rigidly fixed atop thesteering yoke structure is a horizontallyV disposed steering sector gear69 having teeth disposed and adapted for meshing with the output pinion45 of the electric motor driven steering gear reduction Each of the foursheepsfoot roller compacting units 11 and compactor unit pivot andsupport assemblies 15 is identical, so that a description of one willsuffice. Each compacting unit 11 comprises a heavy open-endedcylindrical drum 71 having a dished heavy metal web 73 disposed in itsinterior intermediate its ends and integrally fixed to the drum interiorand co-axial with the drum 71. The web diameter is Vthe same as the druminterior diameter. The web 73 has a central circular opening 75, with aplurality of bolt holes 77 disposed in the web 73 about the circularopening circumference, for a purpose to be hereinafter explained. Arectangular box-like housing 79 made of heavy metal plate material formsa hollow stub axle-like support structure. The housing is open at itsouter end and is closed at its inner end by a heavy plate member 31having a circular opening S3 with bolt holes 85 disposed in the saidplate member 81 about the circumference of the opening S3 for a purposethat will be presently explained. Disposed on either side of the saidhousing and spaced a short distance from its outer end are a pair oflaterally outwardly extendingflange members 87. Disposed integral withthe end of said housing 79 is a picture frame like flange 89 made ofheavy metal plate material which extends laterally outwardly from theend margins of the housing 79.V 'The pair of flange members S7 arestrengthened by suitable gussets 91. YThe roller drum 71 is powered by'aselfcontained electric drive unit made up of a primary gear reduction93, a secondary gear reduction 95, and an electric traction motor 97.The electric motor 97 bolts onto the secondary gear reduction 95 whichin turn bolts onto the holes 85 about the circular opening 83. Theprimary gear reduction carries an integral peripheral bolt flange, whichis bolted onto the holes 77 about the circular opening 75 of the web 73.The primary and secondary gear reductions V93, 95 are interrelated suchthat the primary 93 can rotate relative to the secondary 95.

Each compactor unit pivot and support assembly is made up of a pair of Lshaped box beam structures,

each having a support leg portion 99 and a pivot leg portion 101. Eachpivot leg portion 101 has aV pivot ball'Y 103 integrally fixed to andextending transversely outwardly from the free end thereof. The Lstructures are oppositely disposed so that the support leg portions 99lie spaced apart on a common axis, With their free ends facing eachother, while the pivot leg portions 101 are parallel and said pivotballs 103 are aligned on a common axis. The pivot balls 103 are adaptedfor cooperation with the respective ball sockets 27 on the main frametransverse beams 23, 25. The free end portion of each support leg 99 isprovided with a pair of integral bolt pads rigidly fixed to the sides ofsaid leg 99 and forming a pair of spaced parallel flanges l105 whichextend out- Wardly beyond the free end of said support leg 99. Thesesupport leg flanges 105 mate with the respective flanges 07, S9 carriedby the box housing structure 79 and are Y provided with four sets ofcorner pin holes which mate Y with corresponding sets of aligned pinholes in thebox'V housing flanges 87, S9. Each set of said pin'holes re?ceives a large support pin 107. Thus, the pivot and support structureV15 is made la demountable rigid Ystructure with said box housing `79.The open or outer end of the Ybox housing may be covered with a heavymesh screen 108.

Each Vcompactor unit drum 71 carries a multiplicity of compactorelements 109 which are arrayed in stagc gered ring groups on the drumouter surface. Each com pactor element has a generally frusto-conicalbase portion 111 having an end cavity (not shown) for receiving theshank of a cylindrical cap 113 in forced fit relation. A transverseopening 114 in each ba-se portion 111 allows removal of the respectivecap 113 by means of a drift pin tool. The capv diameter is larger thanthat of the base tip, to give the sheepsfoot compacting effect.

A pair of drum cleaner assemblies 115 are provided for each compactorunit 11. A first form of cleaner assembly is illustrated in FIGURES 1,2, and 3, while an alternative or second form of cleaner assembly isshown by FGURES 5, 6 and 7. In the first form, a plurality or set ofparallel spaced wedge-shaped teeth 117 are rigidly mounted on a tubularbeam 119 and extending transversely thereof. Two of said Yteeth 117 haverearward projections which are pivotally fixed to respective pivotsupports 121 which in turn are rigidly fixed and extend upwardly andinwardly from the pivot leg portion 101 of the compactor unit pivot andsupport structure 15. Each tooth extends downwardly and inwardly intowiping contact with the drum surface below the drum centerline andbetween respective adjacent rows or groups or" compactor elements. Theentire set of teeth 117 is forced into engagement with the surface ofthe druml 71 by means of a single heavy compression spring 123 which islocated within a housing 125 which is carried by the pivot leg 101. Thecompression spring 123 acts on a thrust rod 127 which is fixed at itsouter The alternative form of cleaner assembly 129 comprises `aplurality or set of parallel spaced tooth holder members 131 rigidlyfixed to a tubular member 133 and extending transversely'thereof. Thetubular member 133 is pivoted at its ends on ball joints 135 dependingfrom a support structure 137 which in turn is supported by the compactorunit Ypivot and support assembly 15 in such manner that said tubularmember 133 extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum 71beneath and inwardly of the pivot leg 101.'` Each said tooth supportmember 131 carries a removable tooth 139 in the form of a rectangularplate having a beveled outer or working edge. Each set of teeth isdisposed so that. one tooth contacts the drum surface between each groupor row of compactor elements 109. The entire tooth set is forced intocontact with the drum surface by a heavy compression spring 141 workingon a thrust rod 143 the outer end Vof which is pivotally fixed to anoutwardly extending extension portion 145 of one of said tooth supportmembers 131. The compression spring 141 is carried within a housing 147which extends vertically through the pivot leg 101. The compressionspring force may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the thrust rod143 within the spring 141, by means of a nut 149 threaded onto the endof the thrust rod 143 remote from the pivoted end and bearing on theupper end of the spring housing 147. Y In the alternative form justdescribed, the teeth 139 contact the drum surface further below the drumcenter line and at a greater angle than in the case of the first form.Also, in the second form the vcompression springs 141 are all verticallydis- 1 posed. The second form has the advantages of removable teeth thatcan be readily removed, sharpened, repaired, or replaced; a .structuralarrangement with is more compact Vand more convenientlyV disposed, abetter working angle for the teeth, and more effective action for thecompression spring. Since there is a cleaner assembly 115, 129 on eachside of each Ydrum 71, one set of teeth (in both forms) will have thedrum surface approaching for effective scraping action for eitherdirection of drum rotation.

VFrom'the description foregoing, it will be apparent that eachcompactor' drum 71 is supported by said box housing 79 or stub axle viathe associated drive assembly 93, 95,

Y97, the box housing 79 being demountably rigid with a said pivot andsupport assembly 15. Power is supplied to each electric drive motor 97and the steering motor 41 via suitable wiring and controls from theengine driven generator power unit 55. The operator has a commandingview, and his seat 59 and control panel 61 swivel together so that hemay face either to the front or rear. The machine operates in the sameidentical manner in either direction and with the same speed and power.The machine is highly maneuverable because it is short coupled and cansteer through a very substantial turning angle. Also, since the steeringpivot is between the front and rear roller sets, substantial leverage isavailable for a hinge-type steering eliect which requires a minimum ofsteering power. Each electric drive motor 97 is provided with anelectromagnetic multiple disc friction brake 98, which is automaticallyset when the motor is de-energized, for emergency stopping and forparking. Regenerative braking is also provided.

It should be noticed that manner of pivoting the compactor units 11through the pivot and support assemblies 15 to the main frame 17, 19 notonly allows the rollers 71 to swing up or down about the pivots 103 toaccommodate the terrain, but also provides a special counterbalancesuspension eliect, with the weight of the electric drive motor 97 andportions of the gear reductions 93, 95 counter-balancing the weight ofthe main frame 17, 19 and its load. This Weight distribution andcounterbalancing ettect makes for very even compaction action. Stop pads31 are provided to' limit the free pivot motion of the rollers 71relative to the main frame 17, 19.

The compactor unit 11 and pivot and support assembly 15 may be quicklydisassembled or assembled. To disassemble, the balls 103 may be removedfromV their sockets 27 to free an entire compactor unit 11 and pivot andsupport assembly 15 from the main frame 17, 19. Then the four supportpins 107 may be removed to free the pivot and support assembly 15 fromthe compactor unit 11. Then the primary gear reduction 93 may beunbolted from the web 73 to free the drive assembly 93, 95, 97 and boxhousing 79. Then the bolts may be removed from the box housing opening83 to free the box housing from the drive assembly.

It should be apparent from the foregoing that the selfpropelled earthcompacting machine in accordance with my invention can operate as wellrunning in either forward or reverse direction and consequently neednever turn around at the end of a pass; it is highly maneuverable, andcan work in close places and on any part of any till; it requires noballast material, but utilizes all of the machine power and weight forcompacting; and it can travel at relatively high speeds. Also, becauseeach roller is driven, full traction power is always available. Also,the main frame to compactor unit counterbalance arrangement makes foreven compacting action. Effective cleaner assemblies keep the compactingelements clear so as to be always fully exposed. Major components of themachine may be readily disassembled for convenient shipping andservicing and repair.

The foregoing disclosure and the showings made in the drawings aremerely illustrative of the principles of this invention and are not tobe interpreted in a limiting sense.

l claim:

l. A self-propelled earth compacting machine comprising a front and arear main frame assembly, means coupling said main frame assemblies inarticulated steerable relation, a compactor roller unit disposedlaterally on each side of each main frame assembly with the central axesof the roller unit pair associated with each main frame assembly beingnormally aligned and transverse to the respective main frame assemblylongitudinal axis, an electric motor and gear reduction carried withineach said roller unit, means supporting said gear reduction for rotationwith said roller unit, a pivot and support assembly associated with eachsaid roller unit and comprising pivot leg portions pivoted to saidrespective main frame on a pivot axis parallel to and laterally spacedfrom said respective main frame, and support leg portions extendingalong a common axis parallel to said respective main frame, a stub axlehousing fixed to said support leg portions and extending inwardly intothe interior of said respective compactor unit, and means fixing saidrespective electric motor within the respective housing, with said mainframes and their loads disposed a distance on the inner side of saidpivot axes and said electric motor and gear reduction disposed on theouter side of said respective pivot axes such that the main frames andtheir loads are substantially counterbalanced by said electric motorsand gear reductions.

2. A self-propelled earth compacting machine cornprising a front and arear main frame assembly, means coupling said main frame assemblies inarticulated steera-ble relation, a compactor roller unit disposedlaterally on each side of each main frame assembly with the central axesof the roller unit pair associated with each main frame assembly beingnormally aligned and transverse to the respective main frame assemblylongitudinal axis, an electric motor and gear reduction carried withineach said roller unit, means supporting said gear reduction for rotationwith said roller unit, a pivot and support assembly associated with eachsaid roller unit and comprising pivot leg portions pivoted to saidrespective main frame on a pivot axis parallel to and laterally spacedfrom said respective main frame, and support leg portions eX- tendingalong a common axis parallel to said respective main frame, a stub axlehousing removably iixed at its outer end portion to said support legportions and extending inwardly into the interior of said respectivecompactor unit, and means fixing said respective electric motor withinthe respective housing, with said main frames and their loads disposed adistance on the inner side of said pivot axes and said electric motorand gear reduction disposed on the outer side of said respective pivotaxes such that the main frames and their loads are substantiallycounterbalanced by said electric motors and gear reductions.

3. A self-propelled earth compacting machine cornprising a front and arear main frame assembly, means coupling said main frame assemblies inarticulated steerable relation, a compactor roller unit disposedlaterally on each side of each main frame assembly with the central axesof the roller unit pair associated with each main frame assembly beingnormally aligned and transverse to the respective main frame assemblylongitudinal axis, an electric motor and gear reduction carried withineach said roller unit, means supporting said gear reduction for rotationwith said roller unit, a pivot and support assembly associated with eachsaid roller unit and comprising pivot leg portions pivoted to saidrespective main frame on a pivot axis parallel to and laterally spacedfrom said respective main trame, and support leg portions extendingalong a common axis parallel to said respective main frame, a stub axlehousing lixed by removable pins to said respective support leg portionsand extending inwardly into the interior of said respective compactorunit, and means iixing said respective electric motor Within therespective housing, with said main frames and their loads disposed adistance on the inner side of said pivot axes and said electric motorand gear reduction disposed "on the outer side of said respective pivotaxes such that the main frames and their loads are substantiallycounterbalanced by said electric motors and gear reductions.

4. A self-propelled earth compacting machine comprising a main frame, aplurality of compactor roller units, each of which is disposed to oneside of said main frame with its central axis being substantially normalto the main frame longitudinal axis, an electric motor driving each saidroller unit through a gear reduction, a stub axle means for each saidroller unit, means including a respective said stub axle means forpivotally supporing said main frame on said roller units with each pivotaxis parallel to and spaced laterally from said main frame, With theweight `of said main frame and its load on theV inner side of said pivotaxes counterbalanced by the Weight of said electric motors and gearreductions on the puter side of said pivot axes.

References Cited bythe Examiner UNTTED STATES PATENTS 1,875,252 8/32Meyer 280-158 #3 Nicewander 280--158 Ross 94-50 Harrison 94-50 Greiner94-50 Hawkins ISO-10 Le Tourneau 180-10 Speicher 180-10 Hillis 94-50 kl0JACOB L. NACKENOFF, Primary Examiner.

4. A SELF-PROPELLED EARTH COMPACTING MACHINE COMPRISING A MAIN FRAME, APLURALITY OF COMPACTOR ROLLER UNITS, EACH OF WHICH IS DISPOSED TO ONESIDE OF SAID MAIN FRAME WITH ITS CENTRAL AXIS BEING SUBSTANTIALLY NORMALTO THE MAIN FRAME LONGITUDINAL AXIS, AN ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVING EACH SAIDROLLER UNIT THROUGH A GEAR REDUCTION, A STUB AXLE MEANS FOR EACH SAIDROLLER UNIT, MEANS INCLUDING A RESPECTIVE SAID STUB AXLE MEANS FORPIVOTALLY SUPPORTING SAID MAIN FRAME ON SAID ROLLER UNITS WITH EACHPIVOT AXIS PARALLEL TO AND SPACED LATERALLY FROM SAID MAIN FRAME, WITHTHE WEIGHT OF SAID MAIN FRAME AND ITS LOAD ON THE INNER SIDE OF SAIDPIVOT AXES COUNTERBALANCED BY THE WEIGHT OF SAID ELECTRIC MOTORS ANDGEAR REDUCTIONS ON THE OUTER SIDE OF SAID PIVOT AXES.